Think again, but no need to duck out, we’re talking about shooting videos.
Renee Olson, the editor of Drew Magazine, shared on the CUE listserv a couple of weeks ago the first video piece she completed as a web extra for her magazine: a profile of a Guggenheim winner and faculty member Patrick Phillips.
At a time when many university print magazines are trying to reinvent themselves – and adopt a more integrated print/web approach, I was really interested in learning more on how Renee went from print to video.
1) What was your goal for this video?
For some time now, I’ve been fascinated with the idea of telling stories using images and sound, so I finally made up my mind to try video. I wanted to see if I could do it, basically. I like the idea of not being confined to one mode of storytelling.
2) How much work did you put in this project? How long did it take?
A lot. I started it as part of a digital video course I took here at Drew. Me and the undergrads. The course gave me some basic vocabulary and technical help, and a much-needed deadline. I filmed my subject, Patrick Phillips, for about two hours the first day and about three hours on a follow-up visit. (I recommend chosing a subject that’s willing to spend time on this.) I probably spent about 15 hours editing and re-editing. For me, using Premiere Pro, the editing software used in class, went very slowly at the beginning. Thankfully, I got a lot of help both from Lee Arnold, the course instructor, and from Ted Johnsen, who does video fulltime for Drew. I’d estimate that I spent another 5 hours making final adjustments before uploading the video. About half of this was work time and the other half my own time. I wanted to get the experience enough to work it that way.
3) How would you compare it to writing a profile or a feaature? Are there any similarities, big differences?
Some of it is the same: you still need to select a subject who’s engaging and interesting, and get them talking. You still need to shape the material in the editing process. But there’s another layer, the visual, that requires new skills. I had to ask Patrick to walk for me, page through a newspaper, sip coffee, ride his bike, do deliberate things that I wouldn’t have to stage if I were doing a print interview. I expect that will become more natural the more I do it.
4) Any lessons learned or advice you can share with your peers?
Shoot the person in attractive settings doing a variety of things so that you have enough B-roll to use to break up talking-head shots. I didn’t have enough, honestly. What I need to work on next is being conscious of capturing and then editing using wide shots, medium shots, close-ups. But basically you should just jump in and try it out, and not expect to use your first projects. I shot two assignment videos before I undertook the profile of Patrick Phillips. I should have shot four in that period, but my professor gave me leeway, given my full-time job and all…
Not sure you have the time to take a college class?
Why not attend the 3-webinar series “Professional Photos, Videos and Live Streams 101: Strategies and Tips From Campus Pros” I designed for teams without any formal training in professional photography, video and live streaming?
You can find out more about it at www.higheredexperts.com/likeapro.